Top 5 Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has given cricket fans some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments. Over the years, we’ve seen many legendary players join hands to build massive partnerships that have helped their teams win big matches. Among these, opening partnerships have always been crucial, as they set the tone for the innings and give the team a strong start. In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 highest-opening partnerships in the IPL.

5. Shaun Marsh and Adam Gilchrist- 206 runs (2011)

The partnership between Shaun Marsh and Adam Gilchrist for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) was one of the most memorable moments of the 2011 IPL season. On 17th May 2011, they formed a 206-run partnership for the second wicket against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Dharamsala. Marsh and Gilchrist were in top form, and their partnership left the RCB bowlers clueless. This strong foundation helped Kings XI Punjab win the match comfortably, and their partnership is remembered as one of the best in IPL history.

4. Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan- 210 runs (2024)

In one of the most recent IPL seasons, on 10th May 2024, Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan created a brilliant 210-run opening stand for Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings at Ahmedabad. This partnership was an incredible mix of Sudharsan’s aggressive strokes and Gill’s consistent batting. They set the perfect platform for Gujarat Titans to post a huge total, and their partnership played a key role in the team’s dominance throughout the match. This opening stand was a highlight of the 2024 season and is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans.

Also Read: Top 5 Players with the Highest Individual Scores in IPL

3. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock- 210* runs (2022)

In the 2022 IPL season, the Lucknow Super Giants’ openers, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, put on a spectacular show. On May 18, 2022, they created an unbeaten 210-run opening stand against Kolkata Knight Riders at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Quinton de Kock was in sensational form, smashing his way to a breathtaking century, while KL Rahul played his role with calmness and composure, anchoring the innings. This partnership set the foundation for a big total, helping Lucknow Super Giants secure a convincing victory over KKR. It was one of the most memorable moments from the 2022 season.

2. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers- 215* Runs (2015)

The partnership between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers is arguably the most iconic one in the history of IPL. On May 10, 2015, the dynamic duo put on an unbeaten 215-run partnership for the second wicket against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

In this match, AB de Villiers was the star performer, hitting a brilliant century, while Kohli played a solid supporting role with a well-crafted half-century. Their partnership enabled RCB to post a huge total, leaving Mumbai Indians unable to chase down the target. This match further cemented the Kohli-de Villiers pairing as one of the most dangerous in IPL history.

Also Read: Top 5 Bowlers with Most Wickets in IPL History

1. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers-229 Runs (2016)

Again when it comes to IPL, the combination of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers is magical. On May 14, 2016, these two legends of the game put together an unbeaten 229-run stand for the second wicket against Gujarat Lions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This partnership remains the highest in IPL history.

Both Kohli and de Villiers played with aggressive intent, hitting boundaries all around the park. Kohli scored a sensational century, while AB de Villiers complemented him with an equally brilliant innings. Their extraordinary performance helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) post a massive total, leaving Gujarat Lions with little chance of a successful chase. It was a magical moment for RCB fans, and this partnership is still fondly remembered as one of the greatest in IPL.

Table of Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL History: